[dahy-uh-ram-uh, -rah-muh] 
| 1. | a scene, often in miniature, reproduced in three dimensions by placing objects, figures, etc., in front of a painted background. |
| 2. | a life-size display representing a scene from nature, a historical event, or the like, using stuffed wildlife, wax figures, real objects, etc., in front of a painted or photographed background. |
| 3. | a spectacular picture, partly translucent, for exhibition through an aperture, made more realistic by various illuminating devices. |
| 4. | a building or room, often circular, for exhibiting such a scene or picture, esp. as a continuous unit along or against the walls. |
| di·o·ram·a (dī'ə-rām'ə, -rä'mə) n.
[French, blend of dia-, through (from Greek; see dia-) and panorama, panorama (from English; see panorama).] di'o·ram'ic (-rām'ĭk) adj. |
diorama
three-dimensional exhibit, frequently housed in a cubicle and viewed through an aperture. It usually consists of a flat or curved back cloth on which a scenic painting or photograph is mounted. Flat or solid objects are placed in front of the back cloth, and coloured transparent gauze or plastic drop curtains are used to heighten the three-dimensional effect. A considerable improvement in perspective is achieved by the addition of stage borders or wings. The rigorous application of the laws of perspective is essential to the success of the exhibit. The skillful use of lighting also heightens the effect
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